Giuseppe Di Stefano. A Biography
This is the first comprehensive book about one of the most fascinating operatic tenors of the 20th century. The Sicilian Giuseppe Di Stefano – "Pippo" to opera fans – experienced a meteoric rise to fame after the Second World War, acclaimed in all continents and all the world's major opera houses. In the 1950s he was not only Italy's leading tenor, but also Maria Callas's preferred partner for stage and studio. He sang with the most renowned artists of his time, and under conductors such as Arturo Toscanini, Victor de Sabata and Herbert von Karajan. 1956 saw his first visit to the Vienna State Opera, where he remained a favourite with audiences for ten years. He lived near Como and in Kenya.
Conversations with Giuseppe Di Stefano, views expressed by colleagues and conductors, extensive contemporary material, reviews from the international press and personal experiences combine to offer an insight into the life and career of this unique artist, whom the next generation of tenors declared almost unanimously their model.
This copiously illustrated biography contains a detailed chronology and discography, and is accompanied by a CD with rare recordings by the artist.

Thomas Semrau is a professional consultant for financial services, and has devoted much time and energy to his love for opera and its great voices. He gives adult education courses in Vienna on opera and opera singers, and is a contributor to the British journal The Record Collector.